Built jointly by Hitachi and Nippon Sharyo, the tilting E351 series trains were intended to replace the ageing 183 series EMUs used on AzusaLimited express services operating between in Tokyo and Matsumoto, and to increase speeds on the highly curved Chūō Main Line.
Operations
Super Azusa limited express services
Chūō Liner rapid services
Between 16 March 1996 and 14 March 2008, E351 series sets were also used on Tokaido Main Line weekday morning Ohayo Liner Shinjuku 22 and evening Home Liner Odawara 27 commuter services. From 23 December 2017, the E351 series trains were replaced by new E353 series EMUs on Chuo Line limited express services, with the entire fleet phased out from regular passenger services on 16 March 2018. A special final run service was held on 7 April 2018 to commemorate the E351 series sets' retirement, after which the sets were officially withdrawn.
Formations
The fleet consisted of five four-car sets and five eight-car sets, formed as shown below, with car 1 at the Shinjuku or Tokyo end.
Car 2 was fitted with a PS31 single-arm pantograph.
Cars 2 and 4 were fitted with toilets.
8-car sets S1–S2
Car 5 had a retracting gangway.
Cars 6 and 10 were each fitted with a PS31 single-arm pantograph.
Cars 6, 8, 10, and 12 were fitted with toilets.
8-car sets S3–S5
Car 5 had a retracting gangway.
Cars 6 and 10 were each fitted with a PS31 single-arm pantograph.
Cars 6, 8, 10, and 12 were fitted with toilets.
Original set formations
When first delivered, the two pairs of sets were numbered and formed as shown below, with car 1 at the Shinjuku end.
Car No.
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
Numbering
KuHa E351-100
MoHa E351
MoHa E350
SaHa E351
SaRo E351
MoHa E351-100
MoHa E351
KuHa E351-200
KuHa E351-300
MoHa E351
MoHa E350
KuHa E351
Interior
Both standard class and Green class seating were arranged 2+2 abreast.
History
Introduction
Two pairs of first-batch sets were delivered in 1993, and were introduced on Azusa services from 23 December 1993.
''Super Azusa'' introduction
From the start of the revised timetable on 3 December 1994, four return Azusa workings were upgraded and rebranded as Super Azusa, operating between Shinjuku and Matsumoto or Minami-Otari using E351 series equipment.
2nd batch
Three pairs of second-batch sets were delivered in 1995, and the first two pairs of sets were modified to bring them up to production specifications at JR East's Nagano Workshop and Nippon Sharyo, respectively, in March 1996. Modifications included replacing the original PS26C lozenge-type pantographs with PS31 single-arm pantographs, and renumbering the cars in the -1000 series. From the start of the revised timetable on 16 March 1996, the number of Super Azusa services using E351 series equipment was increased from four return trips daily to eight return trips.
On 12 October 1997, the down Super Azusa 13 service from Shinjuku to Matsumoto was involved in a collision with a 201 serieslocal train that had overrun a red signal while passing through Ōtsuki Station. Several cars were derailed and one car overturned. Five cars of set S3 were ultimately cut up on site, and replacement car bodies ordered from Hitachi. The rebuilt vehicles retained their original running numbers. From the start of the revised timetable on 18 March 2007, E351 series trains were made entirely no-smoking. From the start of the revised timetable on 15 March 2008, E351 series trains were removed from Tokaido Main Line weekday morning Ohayo Liner Shinjuku and evening Home Liner Odawara commuter services. Since the start of the revised timetable on 13 March 2010, E351 series trains no longer operate on the Oito Line.
Build details
The individual build details for the fleet are as shown below.
